Heartburn is a common malady, especially after eating spicy or greasy foods, or over indulging. The small sphincter muscle at the join of the esophagus and stomach normally prevents food and stomach acid from traveling back up, but when it is weakened or overtaxed, heartburn can result. A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus travels. Often it’s unnoticed unless discovered when your doctor is diagnosing another condition, but large hiatal hernias can cause recurring heartburn. Luckily we have some heartburn treatment options and remedies we suggest for you below!
Common Causes
Occasional heartburn can be traced to overindulgence, or eating greasy or spicy food. Some other common contributing factors include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lying down immediately after eating
- Tight clothing
- Hiatal hernia
Heartburn Treatment
Occasional heartburn can be treated using either home remedies or over the counter medications. Acid reflux may require medical interventions like prescription medication to reduce the acid in the stomach. A large hiatal hernia may require surgery to correct.
Diet and good eating habits are the first lines of defense against recurring heartburn. Combatting occasional heartburn? Try these remedies:
- Chew gum to reduce the acid in the stomach
- Avoid heartburn triggers like spicy food and overindulging
- Sit upright for at least 20 minutes after eating
- Avoid tight and restrictive clothing
- Avoid smoking
- OTC medications
Not all at-home heartburn treatments are created equal. Stirring a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and drinking it to reduce acid, for example, is fine as an occasional remedy. Taken too often, however, baking soda can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any home heartburn treatments.
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us!
